I just picked up a '09 X-Star and was going through it familiarizing myself with it and cleaning everything. Now, I am a diehard Nautique guy for life, but I think that MC has done a pretty awesome job with what they are putting out in the X-Star these days. I just had a 2003 X-Star, and it's pretty crazy to see the similarities, and how it has evolved over the years.

Everything seems to be pretty thought out. There is a ton of room to work on the engine changing impellers, and the access to the engine compartment couldn't be easier. I think the amount of storage on this boat is nothing short of amazing. The port side locker is so big you could literally put a freaking kayak in it.

So on to my gripe. how is it that over 10 years, they haven't figured out how to make the observer seat one piece and open up just like the front ones do (or any other manufacturer for that matter)? that area is the most used one, and it's just a pain to have to take the whole cushion out, or crawl through a tiny hole to get anything. Make it ONE PIECE!!!